Donaire battles Masuda in world title eliminator

NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire will try to prove that he still has a lot left in his tank when he battles Japanese contender Riku Masuda on Sunday, March 15, in Yokohama, Japan.

The 43-year-old Donaire is looking to win the title eliminator fight to take another shot at World Boxing Associaiton (WBA) bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi.

Tsutsumi beat Donaire via split decision in December 2025.

Sporting a 43W-9L, 28KOs card, Donaire is seeking to become the oldest bantamweight champion in history.

Donaire won two straight before losing three of his next four fights. His last win came at the expense of Andres Campos that made him the WBA interim bantamweight champion.

Donaire has won nine world titles across four different weight classes but he will be heavily tested by an opponent who is on a roll as Masuda is on a seven-fight winning streak.

The 28-year-old Japanese fighter has nine wins, eight by knockout, and one loss.

Interestingly, Masuda’s lone loss so far was also dealt by Tsutsumi.(CCM)

• Tags
• #Nonito Donaire
• #The Filipino Flash
• #Riku Masuda
• #Yokohama Japan
• #world title eliminator
• #bantamweight division
• #World Boxing Association WBA
• #Seiya Tsutsumi
• #WBA bantamweight champion
• #Andres Campos
• #WBA interim bantamweight champion
• #Filipino boxing cham